Taste the difference in Los Cabos.

Bar

We love our tequila and mezcal in Los Cabos. But what’s the difference between the two, and where should you go to try it? Sit back, pour yourself a glass and we’ll explain.

What’s the difference?

Let’s start with the fact that all tequilas are mezcals. Mezcal is the broader term for liquor distilled from agave plants. Tequila simply has more stringent rules on where and how it can be produced. 

For instance, tequila must be produced in one of five regions of Mexico: Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas and Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be produced in many more.

Tequila must be distilled from at least 51% blue agave. Mezcal, however, can be made from over 30 varieties of the agave plant. 

Lastly, when processing the agave plant for tequila distillation, the heart of the plant, or “piña,” is steamed in ovens. Mezcal agave piñas are roasted in earthen pits, which lends a smoky flavor that many attribute as a defining characteristic of the drink.

Where to taste them.

Acre – Located at Flora Farms in San José del Cabo, this farm-to-table restaurant has an excellent cocktail program where they use ingredients grown right on-site. They also make their own brand of mezcal.

Agave Mexican Spirits Boutique - Sample artisanal Mexican cocktails on a rooftop restaurant founded by a master tequilero overlooking San José del Cabo’s Gallery District.

Agave Study at Peacock Alley – The tequila and mezcal tastings at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offer a culturally rich experience filled with history, stories and the finest of agave spirits.

Agua at One&Only Palmilla – Sip your way through Agua’s collection of tequilas and mezcals as you look out at stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.

La Lupita Taco & Mezcal – Their locations in both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are prime spots to pair handcrafted tacos with mezcals from all around Mexico.

La Silvestre Mezcalería - The flavors of Oaxaca come to life at this San José del Cabo restaurant where guests can try inventive cocktails or learn more about the liquor at private and group tasting classes.

Nómada Bar de Origen - This trendy bar in the historic center of San José del Cabo features a carefully curated selection of Mexican spirits.

Pancho’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar – Reservations can be made for tequila tastings in a warm, approachable atmosphere at this colorful restaurant and bar stocked with over 500 brands of tequila.

Rooftop 360 - Boasting the highest terrace in Cabo San Lucas, this swanky spot also offers more than thirty types of tequila and mezcal to enjoy along with the best views in town.

Tequila and Ceviche Bar at Las Ventanas al Paraíso – At this luxurious San José del Cabo resort, you can try tequilas and ceviches, of course, but you can also have their tequila master walk you through a blind taste test.

Enjoy.

These are just some of the many places around Los Cabos to taste different tequilas and mezcals. Plan your trip so you can check these places out and even add more locations to this list. It won’t be long until you’re a tequila master yourself.